Person in Charge - Children's Residential Home (Tusla / HIQA Registered)

Role Overview

The Person in Charge (PIC) holds the ultimate responsibility for the leadership, governance, and operational management of a Children's Residential Centre in compliance with regulatory bodies such as Tusla and HIQA. This leadership role necessitates ensuring children receive safe, trauma-informed, therapeutic, and child-focused care, aligned with legal frameworks including the Child Care Act 1991.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strong, visible leadership to the residential service, cultivating a therapeutic and child-centred environment.
• Collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery.
• Ensure the centre operates in line with its Statement of Purpose and pursues continuous service innovation.
• Guarantee children's safety and welfare, leading safeguarding investigations and managing risks promptly.
• Oversee compliance with various regulatory frameworks including Child Care Act 1991, Children First Guidance, HIQA National Standards, and Tusla policies.
• Supervise clinical and care governance aspects such as admissions, placements, risk assessments, and behavioural support plans to ensure positive outcomes.
• Lead and manage diverse teams comprising Deputy PICs, Social Workers, Social Care Leaders, and relief staff, encompassing recruitment, supervision, and training.
• Maintain regulatory compliance with HIQA, Tusla Registration, Child Care Regulations, Health & Safety, GDPR, and employment law.
• Prepare for and lead inspections and audits conducted by HIQA and Tusla.
• Develop and implement quality assurance plans, monitor incidents and complaints, and maintain accurate records.
• Manage operational elements including staffing, budgets, occupancy, procurement, and health & safety practices.
• Foster partnerships with statutory and community bodies such as Social Work Teams, CAMHS, schools, GPs, Gardaí, and families.
• Promote active child participation by involving young people in care planning and decisions while supporting their independence and access to advocacy.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• A degree or master's in Social Work.
• Current CORU registration as a Social Worker.
• A recognised management qualification or commitment to obtain one within a specified time.
• At least five years post-qualification experience working with children and families.
• A minimum of three years in a management role within residential childcare, social work, or related children’s services.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and navigating HIQA inspections and regulatory compliance.
• Track record managing safeguarding investigations alongside budget and resources.